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Do You Have A Smoke Alarm?
No? Then you are three times more likely to die from a fire in your home than if you had one.
On average 700 people die from fire each year in the U.K. A staggering 18,000 are taken into hospitals for other injuries including burns and suffering from smoke inhalation.
If you do not want you and your family to become another fire statistic then ensure that you fit a smoke alarm TODAY.
Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms should generally be fitted in the hallways as shown on the attached illustration. If you have only one smoke alarm, this is best fitted at first floor level in a position where it can easily and safely (not over stairs) be cleaned and maintained.
Fire detection system
Battery operated smoke alarms are beneficial but have their limitations. A better degree of protection can be given by fitting mains connected detectors which are linked together so that if one detector detects smoke, all of the others will be activated, thereby increasing the chances of the alarm being heard at the earliest possible time. This type of system should use detectors which incorporate a secondary supply (battery back-up). The reason being that a fire might cause an electrical fault which could trip a circuit breaker and disconnect the electrical supply, thereby neutralising the fire alarm system. A secondary supply which incorporates a rechargeable battery is preferable to a conventional 9volt battery as this has a much longer life and some manufacturers claim that their batteries last a life time.
False alarms
Persistent false alarms become a nuisance and this often leads to smoke alarms being disconnected from the main supply or have their batteries removed. Although this action is to some extent understandable, tragically it is costing many lives. The most common cause of false alarms is due to activity in the kitchen. There is nothing wrong with the detectors, they are simply responding to sensing fire products as they are designed to do.
Action to be taken for false alarms
- If you have a false alarm do not disconnect the detector from the electrical supply or remove the battery.
- Close the door to the room where the expected source of the nuisance comes from.
- Fan the detector with a newspaper. This should stop the noise in a few seconds. Some detectors are provided with 'hush buttons'. Pressing the button will neutralise the alarm for a few minutes.
- If the source of nuisance is from the kitchen or bathroom, turn on the extractor fan if you have one. However, if you have a cooker hood extractor in the kitchen which does not carry the air through the wall to the outside of the building (i.e. re-circulates) this can make the problem worse.
People with hearing disabilities
Special features are available which incorporate strobe lights, very loud audible devices or special vibrating devices which can be placed under pillows. If you are claiming benefit for this disability you may be eligible for a grant. For further information contact Social Services on 0151 666 4123.
Positioning
Single storey buildings (typically bungalows)
At least one detector should be provided in the hallway.
Buildings with two or more storeys
Detectors should ideally be provided in the hallway on each floor. If you have only one, this is best positioned on the upper floors.
Smoke alarms should be located in a circulation route such as the hall or landing, so that there is one:
- not more than 7.5 metres of the door to every habitable room.
- every 15 metres in a circulation route, such as a corridor.
In order to operate as effectively as possible, care should be taken when positioning smoke detectors. It is recommended they are positioned as shown:
Do not position above a heater. Remember it must be easy and safe to reach for maintenance purposes. Do not position them over stairs as this could make cleaning and maintenance more difficult and may be hazardous, particularly if ladders are needed.
Maintenance
It is vitally important that your smoke alarm is regularly checked. Sometimes dust can accumulate and this can effect its sensitivity. This can be reduced by the use of a vacuum cleaner.
Further information can be obtained from the manufacturer's instructions.